Macedonia boss Katanec quits after Pandev row

Katanec refused to confirm what was behind the fall-out, which happened ahead of last week's World Cup qualifying defeat in Holland, who lead Group Nine ahead of Scotland.

Katanec told the Macedonian Football Federation website: "I resigned not because we lost the match 4-0, but due to the fact that a minor conflict I had with Pandev in the build-up to the game created a bad atmosphere in the team.

"Some of the players launched their own inquest into how the incident was leaked to the media and I cannot accept that kind of behaviour, it's made it impossible for me to work with the team.

"Macedonia still have a chance of finishing second in Group Nine and clinching a play-off berth but they now need a coach who will restore a good atmosphere."

Macedonia, who beat Scotland in their opening group game, have lost their three matches since and currently lie five points off second spot.